Week 8: Nanotech+Art

Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Nanotechnology is a new science that provides graphically intense visualizations (Gimzewski). It is a growing field; the combination of nanotechnology and art largely impacts the field of research.
Since the twenty-first century is known for “decoding of the genome, fears of distributed terrorist cells and nanotechnology as the big promise of total control of matter from the atom all the way up living systems”, it is important to analyze biology at the atomic level (Gimzewski). Richard Feynman was the first to suggest atom manipulation (Pt1). The scanning tunneling microscope is an important invention since it helps create new effects, such as new forms of coloring. The microscope feels the surface and maps atom positions, creating and breaking partial chemical bonds (Pt2).  This manipulation of atoms is a work of art itself. To be able to form chemical bonds anytime and in any position allow scientists to create various types of molecules. In other words, these molecules represent the sculptures we see in everyday life.
Atoms put into UCLA shape

One example of nanotechnology that could affect society significantly is the idea of quantum dots. Quantum dots are nanoparticles that become black when they grow in size and form a spectrum of colors when smaller in size (Pt4). This is an important application of nanotechnology; quantum dots are non-toxic and can work as cosmetic products. Cosmetic products are made with chemicals. When exposed to too much of these chemicals, consumers’ safety is in danger, yet cosmetics are so widely used in society. Thus, quantum dots could be a revolutionary way to adjust the making of cosmetic products. We see that in addition to nanotechnology, art is heavily involved. Cosmetic is an art, where typically, the face is the medium.
Cosmetic Art

Nanotechnology isn’t limited to quantum dots when it comes to coloring. In ancient times, Romans also found a way for pigment coloration. The Lycurgus Cup is an example where during daylight, the cup is green, but when illuminated from within, it turns red (Pt3). Romans utilized nanosized gold particles for this coloration.

This idea of coloration is an important part of nanotechnology and is applied to science daily. In research, it is important for scientists to see within an organism. As a result, they use fluorescence. Fluorescent imaging helps tag different types of cells, genes and diseases to be easily identified. This method of targeting allows for in-depth research, leading to revolutionary discoveries about diseases.
Rat with quantum dots 

References
Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. "The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science." The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May 2017.
Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim Pt1." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 27 May 2017.
Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim Pt2." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 27 May 2017.
Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim Pt3." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 27 May 2017.
Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim Pt4." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 27 May 2017.

Images
Bastiaans, Glenn J. "New Quantum Dots Excite In Vivo Imaging Advancements." Photonics Media. NANOOPTICAL MATERIALS INC, 18 July 2016. Web. 27 May 2017.
Boyle, Megan. "The Truth Behind." Healthy Child Healthy World. N.p., 11 Sept. 2015. Web. 27 May 2017.
Kim, Yousoo. "Nanotechnology Now." Press Release: Seeing the World of Nanotechnology from a Single-molecule Perspective: The Observation and Manipulation of Single Molecules by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Is Opening New Frontiers in Nanoscience. N.p., 21 Aug. 2011. Web. 27 May 2017.
Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim Pt2." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 27 May 2017.
"Xtreme Makeup Art." Xtreme Makeup Art. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2017.

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